Located in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, the Wakou Museum is dedicated to the history and distribution of tatara iron and steel. Tatara is a method of manufacturing wakou, or Japanese steel, that has been passed down since around the 6th century. It is made by loading iron sand and charcoal into a clay furnace. In more recent times, technological innovation and the guarantee of good quality iron sand and abundant wood resources have led the mountainous district of the Chugoku area to become Japan's leading production area for iron. Within the Wakou Museum, there are displays about iron manufacture in Japan, the history of Yasugi City which prospered due to iron manufacturing, models and recreations of traditional furnaces and operating tools, and other educational information. After enjoying the exhibits, stop by the museum shop to check out the direct sales of high-grade wakou yasukihagane knives.